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09 January, 2013

Facebook and Twitter have been buzzing with photos and news of the new alliance between New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts!

New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts just announced a multi-year strategic alliance today that includes exclusive footwear (featuring Mickey and Minnie-themed shoes), running-specific initiatives and co-branding opportunities.

According to the press release, the alliance will bring New Balance’s footwear to our favorite home away from home, the Disney Parks. As part of the collaboration, New Balance becomes the official athletic shoe of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. New Balance also becomes the official running shoe for runDisney race weekends and the official baseball shoe of amateur baseball events at the Sports Complex.

Also mentioned in the press release, and what peaked my interest....Future initiatives include the creation of maps for the running trails at Walt Disney World Resort and fitness programs for Disney resort guests interested in pursuing healthy options. (** For the current WDW running trail maps, please see my page here)

To commemorate this alliance, New Balance created a men’s and women’s limited edition runDisney 860v3 running shoe that captures the spirit of two favorite Disney characters – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

The Mickey shoe features the iconic mouse symbol on a red, black and yellow shoe, while the Minnie shoe was inspired by the female mouse's polka-dot dress along with red, white and yellow coloring.

The limited edition runDisney 860v3 will be available for purchase at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Health & Fitness Expo from January 10-12, future runDisney Health & Fitness Expos, special events created jointly by New Balance and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts as well as branded pop-up shops located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Photo courtesy of runDisney

Photo courtesy of runDisney

What do you guys think? Love them? Hate them? Running to the expo tomorrow morning to get them?? :)

I really love the Minnie sneakers, can I purchase them through the mail. I won't be visiting Disney until perhaps the summer or longer. Please let me know how I can purchase these sneakers on-line..thank you!

I love them! I have worn New Balance as my exclusive running shoe / sneaker for over 10 years. I'll never buy another brand. I'd love to have a pair of these, but alas, I live in Maryland. Sure wish they were available on line.

I love the IDEA but sorry no offence to those who like them, but I really think they are just plan ugly. Not to mention Im not a fan a new balance anywasy. I do love the mickeys on the mens shoe, wish the womens had that insted of the poka dots. Hopfully they will come out with some cutter designes and I might just get them becasue they are mickey shoes :)

I LOVE New Balance, wide foot-no can do Nike, & will not be in Disney 'til March. WOULD love wear them, but NEED to break them in. Hmmm...how can runners wear these during this event w/o breaking them in??????

I have always been a Nike fan but lately have been really trying to buy American and New Balance is an American made shoe, I may have to try them. I also love disney and Mickey would love a pair of these but with the limited supply it seems I probably won't find a pair.